TEHRAN — With the registration period for candidates having concluded on Monday, Iran is gearing up for the 14th presidential election. 

As the nation prepares for this critical event, various bodies are now sharing the latest information and updates.

Following the closure of candidacy registration, the Constitutional Council, responsible for vetting candidates, now has five days to review and approve the aspirants.  

Iran's electoral countdown: registration closes, vetting begins

According to Hadi Tahan Nazif, the Council's spokesperson, the vetting process is thorough and time-consuming. He urged the media and online activists to refrain from speculating about the candidates' qualifications until the process is complete. 

Tahan Nazif emphasized that the Interior Ministry is tasked with executing the election, while the Constitutional Council oversees the process. 

Highlighting the significance of the presidency in Iran’s political system, Tahan Nazif referred to Article 113 of the Constitution. He underscored that the president is the second-highest-ranking official after the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and heads the executive branch, managing the relationship among the country's three branches of government.

"80 individuals have registered to run," he said, adding that the Ministry of Interior has submitted its files to the Constitutional Council, which will review each case meticulously, discussing and debating before reaching a final decision. 

According to him, the initial five-day review period can be extended by another five days if necessary. 

He concluded by warning against speculation, promising that the results of the vetting process would be announced promptly.

Meanwhile, Peyman Jebelli, head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), announced on Wednesday that IRIB is ready to host televised debates and other election programs. However, he noted that these plans depend on the Constitutional Council's final decisions regarding candidate qualifications.

On the same day, Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi confirmed that if a runoff election is needed, it will be held on July 15. The main election date is set for June 28, he added. 

Minister Vahidi assured that the nomination process proceeded smoothly and highlighted the importance of maintaining high morale throughout the election, echoing directives from the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei. 

He expressed confidence in the enthusiastic participation of the Iranian people in the upcoming election. 

Political heavyweights heat up Iran's presidential election race

The registration period saw several heavyweight politicians, heating up the competition. Among them is Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who cited calls from the elite to join the race and emphasized the need for experience and skill.

Former Vice President Es'haq Jahangiri also announced his candidacy, aiming to address current issues and introduce new capacities. 

Saeed Jalili, a member of the Expediency Council and a three-time presidential candidate, called for visionary leadership, stating that Iran is at a crucial historical juncture.

Ali Larijani, an adviser to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, registered as well, pledging to form a cabinet with skilled individuals from across the political spectrum. 

Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad also joined the race, highlighting his ongoing engagement with the Iranian populace.

Abdolnasser Hemmati, the ex-Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, declared his candidacy on Friday. 

In total, over 80 individuals have registered, including one former president, one former Parliament speaker, 38 former and current lawmakers, 13 ex-ministers, and three current ministers. Notably, at least four women are among the registered candidates.

The winner of this election will succeed the late President Ebrahim Raisi, who tragically died in a helicopter crash on May 19 while returning from the inauguration of the joint Qiz Galasi Dam project with Azerbaijan.